Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Trapping airborne particles by Jumping-droplet condensation on superhydrophobic surface

Project description

An easier way to clean the air

The respiratory system is one of the main routes of exposure (inhalation) of microscale particles in polluted air. Trapping airborne particles by water droplets is the most widely used method to reduce the particle concentration in polluted air. This method, however, requires specialised equipment and a large amount of energy. The EU-funded TrapJump project will develop a new approach using abundant self-jumping droplets generated during condensation on a superhydrophobic surface. It will use cutting-edge confocal microscopy to analyse the condensing droplet wetting dynamics. It will also investigate the effects of jumping droplet characteristics on the particle-droplet interaction from a single-droplet perspective. The findings will make a conceptual breakthrough in mitigating air pollution without additional energy consumption.

Objective

Inhalation of microscale particles can cause severe health issues in respiratory and cardiovascular systems of humans. Trapping airborne particles by water droplets is one of the most widely used methods to reduce the particle concentration in polluted air. However, generating intensive micro-droplets via spraying or ultrasonic atomization normally requires specialized equipment and a large amount of energy. In this project, I propose a novel and cost-effective approach to capture particles by utilizing abundant self-jumping droplets generated during condensation on a superhydrophobic surface. Since the condensation process is ubiquitous and can be found in various heat transfer devices such as air conditioners, the proposed strategy will significantly reduce the expenses and energy costs for particle removal. In particular, to enhance the particle trapping rate, I intend to explore the rational superhydrophobic surface topography that allows continuous jumping-droplet condensation. I will first analyze the condensing droplet wetting dynamics using the cutting-edge confocal microscopy developed by the host lab. The results obtained will help to optimize the surface structures to achieve the durable condensate repellency. Next, I will investigate the effects of jumping droplet characteristics on the particle-droplet interaction from a single-droplet perspective. Finally, I will use my expertise in thermal physics to quantitatively correlate global condensation heat transfer and particle trapping performance. By integrating these interdisciplinary studies, the project will make a conceptual breakthrough in mitigating air pollution without additional energy consumption, and pave the way for the next-generation climate control devices with built-in air purification capabilities.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 174 806,40
Address
HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany

See on map

Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 174 806,40
My booklet 0 0